American Diabetes Association and Walgreens Collaborate on Diabetes Initiative

Published Online: Monday, December 19, 2011

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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has announced that Walgreens will become a national strategic partner and will be one of its partner charities within “Walgreens Way to Well Commitment,” a 4-year, $100 million health and wellness initiative.

As part of the initiative, Walgreens will continue to help Stop Diabetes by supporting CheckUp America, the American Diabetes Association’s type 2 diabetes prevention initiative for consumers. The company will support the Association’s community events in select markets across the country that are designed to help individuals at highest risk for diabetes become aware and take action to prevent the disease. In addition, Walgreens funding will support expanded distribution of patient education materials and the development of a new national public service campaign to promote consumer awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and heart disease.

“Education is crucial for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and we are excited to have Walgreens on board to help us further our mission in stopping this deadly disease,” said Larry Hausner, CEO of ADA. “We have set a very comprehensive strategic plan and this initiative will helps us achieve those goals by expanding our reach and impact in the communities we serve every day.”

It is estimated that 79 million Americans have prediabetes, but only 1 out of 10 is aware that they have it. The Association is working to double the number of people who are aware they have prediabetes by 2015. Walgreen’s support will be a tremendous asset in that fight, the association said in a statement. Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless steps are taken to Stop Diabetes.

“Walgreens is proud to support the Stop Diabetes initiative and the American Diabetes Association, as we work to bring educational and preventive health care resources to thousands of communities nationwide,” said Bonnie Gordon, Walgreens director of cause marketing. “Prevention and early detection of today’s leading diseases, including diabetes, are the pillars of the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment. Working with the Association and other national health organizations, we hope to help people live longer, healthier lives by providing access to the resources they need to stay well.”